The Chessmen were from Fort Wayne, starting out as The Telecasters but changing their name in 1965.  The band initially was a guitar focused instrumental band; a 45 on GMA Records was released in 1965 with two such instrumentals, “Touchdown/Glory Be!”.  This 45 may have been a demo-only release.  In 1966, they were signed to Kalamazoo, Michigan label Phalanx Records and released one 45, “You Can’t Catch Me/Mr. X”, a snotty garage punk record that is highly sought.  “You Can’t Catch Me” has been included in at least three garage compilations, including Pebbles 19 and Teenage Shutdown’s Get a Move On!.  They are also included on Michigan Mayhem! Volume 2 due to their appearance on Phalanx.

Phalanx was a significant label for Indiana garage bands, also releasing records by The Olivers, Pickwick Papers and Blues Inc along with many Michigan bands.  

The Vietnam War and accompanying draft necessitated personnel changes and the band broke up in 1969.  Finchum and Geise then started Peace & Love, which had three 45 releases, and their alter ego Snake and the Armpits, a 50’s revue similar to Sha Na Na, that toured the Midwest into the late 1970’s.

There were many bands named “The Chessmen” in the 1960’s, leading to confusion.  The best known Chessmen were from Texas and became well known due to the presence of Jimmie Vaughn, Doyle Bramhall, and Bill Etheridge, who later joined ZZ Top.